Residence Life at Franciscan

Where Faith, Friendship, and Learning
Come Together

Welcome to the Residence Life program at Franciscan University of Steubenville — where every day is an opportunity to encounter Christ, others, and yourself.

Here, you’re invited into the heart of a vibrant Catholic community invested in helping you deepen your faith and build relationships that last long after graduation. Along the way, our Residence Life staff guides and challenges you as you develop into the person God is calling you to be.

No two student journeys are the same — but everyone uncovers something meaningful through life on campus. With community living in residence halls, campus traditions, and vibrant chapel gatherings, you’ll create an unforgettable student experience at Franciscan.

Franciscan University students enjoying campus life

Why Live on Franciscan’s Campus?

Living on campus puts you in the heart of the Franciscan experience. From prayer and study to community traditions and shared meals, your time here sets you up for success.

  • Experience life on our scenic 250-acre campus overlooking the Ohio River, where you’ll study, pray, and thrive in a place that feels like home.
  • Make the most of your time at Franciscan by getting involved in student clubs, athletics, missionary outreach, and campus events. Visit the Master Calendar to see what’s happening on campus and find more ways to get involved.
  • Be part of a Christ-centered community. Household Life groups create opportunities to build friendships rooted in shared purpose and faith.
  • Deepen your spiritual life. Our chapel ministries and vibrant sacramental practice provide daily opportunities for prayer, Mass, and worship that strengthen your relationship with God.

Residency Requirement

At Franciscan, we believe formation happens best in community, where prayer, friendship, and daily life help influence who you are becoming. For this reason, all full-time undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus housing while enrolled, until they are 21 years old or a senior by credit.

Some students may qualify for an exemption from the on-campus residency requirement based on specific eligibility criteria.

Off-Campus Housing

Discover Franciscan’s Residence Halls

Find a second home at Franciscan. Our 16 residence halls offer welcoming communities, secure living spaces, and supportive Residence Life staff who help create an environment rooted in respect and connection.

Explore our student dorms to determine which one is right for you!

Dining

Franciscan nurtures your potential. Through our partnership with Parkhurst Dining, we deliver fresh, high-quality meals prepared with care and served for your enjoyment. With a variety of meal options and dining locations on campus, it’s easy to grab a snack between classes, connect with friends, and stay energized throughout your day.

Dining at Franciscan

2026-27 University Theme

“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:17

Preparing for Life on Campus

What’s Included in Franciscan’s Dorm Rooms?

Residence hall rooms are designed to provide a comfortable space for studying, resting, and building friendships. Standard rooms measure approximately 10 x 14 feet, while triple rooms (located in St. Junipero Serra Hall only) offer additional space. Rooms include these items for each resident:

  • Twin-size bed
  • Desk with bookshelf
  • Desk chair
  • Wardrobe with storage space above
  • Towel rack
  • Mirror and drapes

What Should You Bring?

Bathroom Needs

  • Two sets of bath towels, face towels, and washcloths
  • Toothbrush and personal hygiene items
  • Small bucket or container to carry shower supplies
  • Shower shoes
  • Soap, shampoo, and other shower essentials
  • Hairdryer

Room Needs

  • Blankets and sheets for an extra-long twin bed (Note: Some beds on campus are standard twin. Extra-long twin sheets fit both mattress types, while standard sheets will not fit an extra-long mattress.)
  • Pillow and pillowcases
  • Bedspread or comforter
  • Alarm clock
  • Waste basket
  • Desk lamp
  • Extension cords and surge protectors
  • Clothes hangers
  • Room decorations or posters
  • Calendar
  • Stamps and stationery

Academic Needs

  • Notebooks
  • Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  • Backpack for books
  • Stapler, tape, and paper clips
  • Thumb tacks or sticky tack

Personal Needs

  • Summer and winter clothing
  • Dress clothes and casual wear
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Raincoat and umbrella
  • Robe and slippers
  • Laundry bag
  • Detergent, spot remover, and fabric softener
  • Watch

What Items Are Optional to Bring?

These items can help make your space more comfortable, but they are optional:

  • Fan for non-AC rooms*
  • Floor rug (10 x 12 feet or smaller; not needed in St. Junipero Serra Hall, where rooms are carpeted)*
  • Hot pot (UL approved)**
  • Desktop computer*
  • Swimsuit and beach towel
  • Small dorm-sized refrigerator (UL approved)** *
  • Small microwave (UL approved)** *
  • Iron (ironing boards are available in each residence hall)

*You may wish to coordinate with your roommate before bringing these items to avoid duplicates.

** Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a trusted organization that evaluates products to ensure they meet established public safety standards. If a product displays the UL mark, it has been tested and approved to meet those safety requirements.

You can usually find the UL mark on product packaging.

What Should You Leave at Home?

For safety and community living standards, these items are not permitted in residence halls:

  • Candles or incense
  • Pets, except fish limited to one 10-gallon aquarium per room
  • Framed wall hangings that cannot be secured with sticky tack or 3M Command Strips. Damage caused during removal may result in a fee.
  • Toasters or toaster ovens
  • Air fryers
  • Electric pressure cookers
  • Personal grills, including George Foreman–type grills
  • Hot plates or open-coil cooking or heating appliances
  • Crock pots
  • Halogen lamps
  • Sun lamps
  • Air conditioners
  • Electric blankets
  • Firearms, weapons, or explosives

What Should You Know About Summer Storage?

Personal belongings cannot be stored in residence halls during the summer. If you plan to store items rather than take everything home, several self-storage facilities are available in and around Steubenville.

Find a self-storage facility in the Steubenville, Ohio, area.

Residence Life Policies

Creating a safe and welcoming environment is a shared responsibility, and you play an important role in that mission. Before moving in, review the Residence Life Policies to understand what to expect while living on campus at Franciscan.

Residence Life Policies